Bills GM Beane on roster cut-down: 'It doesn't mean that we are done'

Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane knows that roster cut-down day is only one step, albeit a major one, in establishing the team’s core for the 2018 season.

The Buffalo Bills are several hours away from establishing their roster for the regular season. The Bills must reduce their roster from the current 90-player staff to the league maximum of 53 players by 4 p.m. Saturday. It’s a time of high anxiety for several players and stress for management.

Beane discussed the cut-down process during Thursday night’s dramatic win against the Chicago Bears. Realistically, the general manager knows the final roster a night ahead of the deadline. “We will meet with these guys Saturday morning, but we will cut it [the roster] down Friday.”

Beane, along with head coach Sean McDermott, has placed an emphasis on getting to know their players beyond just their actions on the field. Thus, it’s a tough day for all involved.

As McDermott and Beane have established a culture surrounding the team, they also want to make certain to communicate their choices clearly with those players whom they will let go on Saturday. Beane shared, “We think it is important for them to hear from us. We want to answer any questions they have and try to shoot them straight. I feel the best thing to do is to be as honest as you can be.”

Beane also revealed that just because the team cuts down to 53 players, the team could still make some transactions. Beane revisited the decisions the team made during last year’s cut-down day. “We put in for four claims last year and got three of those guys. Once we get our group down to 53, it doesn’t mean that we are done. We have looked at where guys are getting reps around the league over the last couple of weeks.”

Last year, the Bills claimed linebacker Deon Lacey, tight end Khari Lee and offensive tackle Conor McDermott. They went on to sign quarterback Joe Webb during the week leading into Week 1 of the regular season schedule as well.

There are still various spots which are unsettled on the Bills roster. Buffalo is still ironing out their quarterback situation. In addition, they are still working out issues with respect to depth at several positions, including wide receiver, offensive line, and linebacker. It would not be surprising if the Bills were to put in multiple waiver claims Sunday.

Furthermore, Players who are not claimed after the initial cutdown may be signed to a team’s practice squad. This unit consists of 10 players who have accrued two or fewer seasons in the league, via Tadd Haislop of the Sporting News. In addition, these players cannot be on the practice squad for more than three seasons. Thus, the group is often made up of late-round rookies and undrafted free agents.

The Buffalo Bills cutdown list will be released as names are revealed by management. Follow The Bills Wire for in-depth analysis of the Bills roster moves.